(from BMW Press
Release) Committed to developing the best performing
vehicles in the luxury market, BMW with ALPINA has created a special
high performance version of BMW’s 7 Series luxury sedan. The 2006
BMW ALPINA B7 brings together the luxury, pioneering design, and
advanced technology of the 7 Series Sedan with the scintillating
performance of a supercharged, 500hp V-8 engine.

To power the BMW ALPINA
B7, ALPINA specially developed a higher-performance version of BMW’s
4.4-liter, 90-degree V-8 engine and mated it to a 6-speed automatic
transmission featuring steering wheel mounted shift controls. The
motor produces 500 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with maximum torque
of 516 lbs.-ft. at 4,250 rpm, and propels the B7 from 0-60 mph in a
mere 4.8 seconds. ALPINA 21-inch wheels carry Z-rated performance
tires, while the sport-tuned suspension includes Active Roll
Stabilization. The B7 aerokit includes a rear spoiler to improve
stability, handling, and performance at high speeds.

ALPINA was established in 1964 as an official and approved
“ennobler” of BMW automobiles. Their tradition is to take production
BMWs and make them even more appealing to connoisseurs of automotive
finery.

With this new model, BMW will raise the benchmark for the segment in
terms of performance, refinement, technology, and luxury.
Approximately 200 US-version cars are planned for the 2006 model
year, with a release date in July 2006.